Specific method for the determination of ozone in the atmosphere

A simple, sensitive and specific method for the determination of ozone in the atmosphere is described. Reactions of ozone with several 1-alkenes were studied at room temperature (25°). Eugenol(4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol), when reacted with ozone, was found to produce relatively large amounts of formaldehyde compared to other 1-alkenes tested. The method described was compared with alkaline iodide method for the determination of various concentrations of ozone in the range 0.05–2.0 p.p.m. Hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, sulfur dioxide and various reducing agents commonly present in the air, do not interfere. Formaldehyde when present in the air, must be determined simultaneously and the concentration of formaldehyde subtracted from that of the ozone. Any formaldehyde monitoring equipment can be easily adapted for the determination of ozone.